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IPN Viral 🟠 Severe 💉 Vaccine Available

Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis

🦠 Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) · Birnaviridae

📋 Overview

IPN is ubiquitous in salmonid aquaculture worldwide and is a major economic problem in the post-smolt phase of Atlantic salmon farming. Genetic resistance (QTL on chromosome 26) has been incorporated into selective breeding programmes, dramatically reducing losses.

📊 Key Facts

Causative Agent
Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV)
Agent Family
Birnaviridae
Genome Type
dsRNA, 2 segments
Peak Mortality
70%
Onset to Peak
1–2 weeks
Geographic Range
Worldwide in salmonid aquaculture
Transmission Routes
Vertical (egg), horizontal, carrier fish
Primary Host
Salmonids, particularly Atlantic Salmon post-smolts
Treatment
⚠ Limited
Vaccine
✓ Available
First Described
1960

🩺 Clinical Signs

Spiral/corkscrew swimming, abdominal distension, dark colouration, pale liver, white mucoid intestinal contents, pancreatic necrosis.

🔬 Symptoms

🔬
Corkscrew swimming
Neurological Acute
🔬
White mucoid intestinal contents
Digestive Acute
🔬
Abdominal distension
Abdominal Acute
🔬
Pale liver
Hepatic Acute

🧪 Diagnosis

Cell culture (CHSE-214), RT-PCR, ELISA.

💊 Treatment

ℹ️ Treatment options are limited. Consult a qualified fish health professional.
No effective antiviral; management through genetic selection for resistance.

🛡️ Prevention

ℹ️ Prevention is the most effective strategy for managing this disease in aquaculture and aquarium settings.
Use of resistant strains (QTL-selected), certified disease-free broodstock.